Bipod gunmount



y 20, 1969 P. D. PRocToR ETAL. 3,445,082

BIPOD GUNMOUNT Filed D66. 16, 1966 INVENTORS ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,445,082 BIPOD GUNMOUNT Paul D. Proctor, 2860 Pennsylvania Ave.

John H. Frazer, 1613 Virginia St., E. Charleston, W. Va.

Filed Dec. 16, 1966, Ser. No. 602,261 Int. Cl. F16m 11/08, 11/04 US. Cl. 248-186 25302, and 25311, both of 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to gun mounts and more particularly to a bipod-type gun mount especially adapted for providing support for small arms weapons during firing.

Gun mounts are used with small arms weapons both in the military and by civilians, for firing from the sitting or prone position where it is desirable to provide a grounded support to assist the gunner in holding the weapon and in maintaining a steady aim in spite of the rapid succession of intermittent recoils. A two-legged support, or bipod, is commonly used for automatic rifles and light machine guns; whereas heavier gun mounts such as tripods customarily are used for the heavier weapons.

The bipods known to the art fall generally into two categories, (1) those which are especially designed for and are aflixed to a particular weapon in a more or less permanent fashion, and (2) the snap-on type which is designed to be carried as a separate item and detachably clamped onto a weapon when desired. This invention is directed primarily to the snap-on type of bipod, but many of its features are usable in either type of bipod and in gun mounts generally.

The perfect bipod would be quickly and reliably adjustable in length, and in the case of the snap-on type would include an adjustment clamp which is reliably secure and easily operated. The bipod would be simple and inexpensive. Icing conditions, mud and dirt would not interfere with the ease and reliability of leg adjustment and clamping action. In order to withstand severe abuse under field conditions, the bipod would be a very substantial, rugged structure. Yet it would neither be cumbersome nor too heavy to carry comfortably for long periods of time.

Many problems have been encountered in the snap-on type of bipods proposed heretofore, the most notable of which has been the difiiculty in providing a quick and reliable adjustment mechanism, inasmuch as one of the primary characteristics of a good bipod is to provide a ready choice of firing levels. A second problem is in providing a suitable snap-on mechanism for the attachment and removal of the bipod from the weapon. Additionally, difficulties have been encountered in providing these previously noted characteristics and still retaining a light and easy to use bipod which will provide a firm support when firing.

It is accordingly one object of this invention to provide a bipod for small arms weapons which overcomes or otherwise mitigates the several disadvantages which are characteristic of the bipods now known to the art.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a bipod mount for small arms weapons which provides a 3,445,082 Patented May 20, 1969 reliable and eflicient height adjustment mechanism for obtaining the proper firing position.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a bipod gun mount which is quickly and easily attachable to, and detachable from, small arms weapons and also provides a firm and reliable swivel mounting means for firing from the prone or sitting position.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent as the description thereof proceeds.

In accordance with this invention and in satisfaction of the above objects and advantages there is provided a bipod gun mount adapted to be detachably connected to a small arms weapon for supporting the weapon in firing position comprising; a pair of legs, an elevation post disposed within a flange, said elevation post containing a plurality of slots along its length, spring pressured detent means on said flange for association with said slots at the desired elevation, mounting head means disposed on top of said elevation post for connection to a receptor mounted on a gun stock, said mounting head means comprising a casing having an axially disposed cavity therein with a plurality of openings through its well in equally spaced lateral alignment with each other and means associated with said mounting head and cooperating through the plurality of openings to releasably anchor said mounting head on the weapon.

Reference is now made to the drawings accompanying this application wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of the bipod of this invention;

FIGURE 2 represents a side perspective view of the bipod particularly illustrating the relative position of the bipod legs and elevation post mechanism;

FIGURE 3 represents an enlarged sectional view of the means for attaching the bipod to the gun stock in partially disengaged position; and

FIGURE 4 illustrates an adaptor by which the bipod of this invention may be easily secured to any conventional small arms weapon.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, reference numeral 1 generally depicts the bipod gun mount of this invention. The bipod comprises a pair of legs 2 and 2' extending outwardly and downwardly at an angle of about 40 to 60, preferably 45 to 50, from an elevation post, designated as 4. Legs 2 and 2' may be formed of any desired material but preferably are constructed of aluminum tubing provided with rubber feet 3 and 3 on the bottom thereof to prevent skidding. In the embodiment illustrated, the legs 2 and 2 are formed from aluminum tubing containing a slight bend near the top portion thereof in order to achieve the desired angle.

Elevation post -4 is similarly preferably constructed of tubular aluminum and is adapted to be slidably movable within the flange member 6. Elevation post 4 is further provided on the top portion thereof with mounting head 20 which is more particularly described hereinafter. Elevation post 4 is also provided with a plurality of preferably crescent-shaped notches 5 along one vertical side thereof, the notches being adapted to engage a detent portion 8 of an elevation lock disposed on flange member 6.

Elevation post 4 is further adapted to be slidably movable within flange member 6, the flange being further connected to legs 2 and 2' as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. Flange 6 is further provided with an elevation lock which comprises a latch 7 pivotally mounted on spindle 9 and having a rearward portion acting as detent 8 to engage one of the plurality of slots 5 on vertical elevation post 4. Spindle 9 is pivotally mounted within a pair of lugs disposed on flange '6 in a conventional manner. Latch 7 is adapted to be mounted in biased position by a spring 13 in such manner that pressure will be kept on detent 8 to remain in one of slots 5. Hence, the application of downward pressure on latch 7 would permit flange 6 to be freely movable on elevation post 4. Release of the latch at the desired position would then permit detent 8 to engage one of the slots at the desired height and place the bipod in fixed position.

Disposed at the top of elevation post 4 is a mounting head, designated generally by reference character 20, which provides means for quickly and easily attaching the adjustable bipod to the weapon and releasing the same when desiring to remove. The general appearance of this mounting head is shown in FIGURES -1 and 2 and a detailed enlarged depiction thereof is shown in FIG- URE 3 in combination with a suitable receptor for the head.

In the drawing, the mounting head may be seen as comprising generally a casing provided on the side thereof with release means 14 disposed on pivot means 15. The mounting head also contains as an extension of casing 25 a cylindrical member 21 which is telescopically movable within a receptor casing 22 located on or in a conventional gunstock 23.

In FIGURE 3, mounting head 20 is illustrated in detailed relationship with a suitable receptor 22 disposed on a gunstock. In this figure, the various parts are shown in a cutaway view in partially engaged position.

As may be seen, the mounting head comprises a casing 25 disposed on elevation post 4 such as by threaded engagement means 26. The casing is further provided with an annular opening therein for disposition of a release plunger 29. Casing 25 is also provided with an opening in one side thereof for the placement of release means 14, which in this embodiment comprises lever 27 pivotally mounted on spindle 28. The rearward end of the spindle is positioned in such manner that release plunger 29 may be pushed upward by pressing downwardly on the lever as shown in phantom in the drawing. Disposed atop casing 25 in rigid engagement therewith or as an extension thereof is a cylindrical member 21 Which is further provided with an annular cylindrical cavity within its interior for reception of the top portion of release plunger 29. As may be seen in FIG- URE 3, the top portion of plunger 29 is bifurcated thereby providing space for the placement of coil spring means 32 which is biased against plunger 29 to keep it in its depressed position.

Also formed in member 21 is a plurality of transversely positioned openings 30 and 30', all of which are positioned in the same plane, and each of which is adapted to receive a spherical locking member as bearings 31 and 31. The outer periphery of each of these openings is slightly crimped or beaded to prevent the complete extrusion of the spherical bodies through the openings.

Release plunger 29 is cylindrical in shape and is adapted to move freely within the annular cavity of casing 25. A peripheral groove is formed approximately medial of the plunger possessing the same or equivalent cross-sectional contours as the grooves or openings 30 and 30' formed in member 21. The groove in plunger 29 is adapted to receive the spherical locking members, such as bearings 31 and 31, when the mounting head is in disengaged position.

In FIGURE 3, member 21 is shown as telescopically engaging receptor means 22 which is to be mounted on or within a recess on a gunstock. Receptor 22 comprises a casing 34 having disposed therein a cylindrical annular cavity 33. The receptor is also provided with means, such as screw 35, for attachment to a conventional gun stock.

The interior or cavity 33 of receptor 22 is of the size to slidably receive cylindrical member 21 and to be telescopically movable therewith. Hence, in a preferred embodiment, the interior 33 of receptor 22 is just slightly larger than the exterior of member 21 and is freely movable therewith.

A peripheral groove is also provided along the lower portion of cavity 33 to receive spherical members 31 and 31 when the head is inserted into the receptor thus retaining the spheres and locking the head to the reactor.

When the mounting head is inserted into the receptor, spheres 31 and 31' are released into openings 30 and 30' and engage the peripheral groove thereby locking the mounting head to the receptor. When the assembly is in locked position with the receptor, the assembly is capable of rotation as the groove in the receptor and openings in member 21 provide a bearing race for the swivel action.

To disengage the mounting head, lever 27 is merely pushed downwardly thereby forcing plunger 29 upwardly by compressing spring 32 until the peripheral groove on the plunger is in position to receive the spherical members and thereby release the lock. Thereafter the mounting head merely slides out of the receptor by application of slight downward pressure.

In FIGURE 4 there is illustrated a second embodiment of a receptor which will enable a user to employ the bipod of this invention with any conventional weapon. In this embodiment, the receptor comprises an L-shaped metal member having an opening 18 in the longer portion thereof to provide means to attach the adaptor to the gun. Such attachment may be by conventional screw means or by placing on the front swivel of a conventional The adaptor is also provided in its other portion with a cylindrical annular cavity 19 having a peripheral groove 17 and 17 disposed therein. The interior of this receptor is the same as that discussed with respect to FIGURE 3, receives the mounting head in the same manner and operates exactly the same.

To operate the bipod of this invention, the user merely equips the weapon with a recessed receptor such as that of FIGURE 3 or an adaptor such as shown in FIGURE 4, and the bipod can be inserted by merely applying a small amount of pressure to force the mounting head into the receptor. The desired elevation can then be attained by merely depressing the elevation lock lever and moving the attached weapon upwardly or downwardly until the desired elevation is reached. Merely releasing the elevation lock lever will activate the lock. The bipod is now in position, and as it swivels easily on the bearing axis, can be brought to any desired position.

After the use is completed, the bipod is disengaged by merely pressing the release lever and pulling downward 0n the bipod slightly as discussed hereinabove.

The bipod of the invention may be constructed of any suitable materials and assembled in any desired manner. However, in a preferred aspect the apparatus is constructed of tubular aluminum as this material provides a sturdy bipod Which is extremely light and easy to operate.

It is to be understood that various changes may be made in the structural characteristics of the invention as disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is therefore to be understood that the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A gun mount comprising at least two angularly related legs adapted to be substantially vertically disposed and having structurally connected convergent upper ends and divergent lower ground engaging ends, a substantially vertically disposed collar member provided at the convergent upper ends of the legs, an elevation post slidably disposed within said collar member, said elevation post being provided along one longitudinal side portion thereof with an axially spaced series of ratchet teeth, a pivotally mounted latch means operatively carried by the collar member for selective locking engagement with the ratchet teeth, said latch means having spring biasing means for normally retaining it in preselected locking engagement with the ratchet teeth so that the post is secured in selected positions of height within the collar member relative to the supporting legs, said ratchet teeth and latch means retaining said post from rotative movement relative to the collar member, said latch means having a manual release lever laterally extending from the collar, said post having an upper mounting head portion including a terminal annular mounting end, a sleeve-like gunstock receptor having means for attachment thereof to a gunstock so as to be in a dependent position from the gunstock, said sleeve-like receptor being axially sleeved onto the annular mounting end and rotatable relative thereto, interengaging ball and socket locking means operatively carried by the mounting end and the sleevelike receptor for locking the sleeve-like receptor onto the mounting end and retaining it against relative axial movement with respect to said end and the mounting head portion while permitting free relative rotative movement between the mounting head portion and the receptor, and manually operable means for releasing said interengaging locking means and permitting said sleeve-like receptor to be pulled axially off from the mounting end of the mounting head portion, said manually operable means including a release rod slidably mounted in the mounting head portion and end thereof, spring means normally retaining said release rod in an inoperative position and a manual lever means laterally extending from the head portion and pivoted on the head portion for movement about an axis normal to the longitudinal axis of the post, said lever means having an inner end disposed within the head portion and engaging the rod and an outer end projecting outwardly from the head portion, said lever means being operative to move said release rod against its spring means into a position for releasing said interengaging locking means, and said outer end of the manual release lever means for the interengaging locking means between the mounting end of the head portion and the sleeve-like receptor and the manual release lever for the pivotally mounted latch means on the collar member for the post being disposed in substantial vertical alignment.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the interengaging ball and socket locking means includes the end portion having radial openings, ball elements housed in said openings, said sleeve having an annular groove formed circumferentially on its inner surface in which the ball elements are adapted to engage so as to lock the sleeve-like receptor onto the end portion of the mounting head portion, said means for releasing the interengaging ball and socket locking means further including the provision of an axial bore in the head portion and the mounting end thereof, said release rod being disposed in the bore for axial sliding movement, said release rod having a circumferential annular release groove adapted to receive the ball elements, said spring means for the release rod normally retaining said rod in a position in the bore so that such release groove in the rod is out of registry with the ball elements and the inner end of said lever means acting on the rod in opposition to the spring means to move the rod into a position so that the ball elements may be received in the release groove therein and thus free from the groove in the inner surface of the sleevelike receptor whereby said receptor may be moved axially off from the end portion of the mounting head portion of the post.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said upper head portion is detachably secured to the post and said attachment means of the sleeve-like receptor includes a lateral flange provided on the receptor and adapted to receive and contain structural means for attaching the receptor to a gunstock.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,209,937 12/1916 Cecuga. 1,524,973 2/1925 Hazelton 248-468 XR 1,726,372 8/1929 Stoll 248-408 XR 2,901,804 9/1959 Williams. 2,968,205 1/ 1961 Springate.

FOREIGN PATENTS 861,284 10/1940 France. 158,451 4/1957 Sweden.

FRANCIS K. ZUGEL, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 248187 

